MEXICO CITY, Oct. 29 (Reuters) – Sergio Perez turned one of Mexico City’s grandest avenues into a celebration of national pride on Wednesday, drawing an estimated 100,000 fans to a showrun ahead of the Mexican driver’s 300th Formula One Grand Prix start this weekend.
The Cadillac driver took to Paseo de la Reforma for his fourth showrun in Mexico during his Formula One career, driving a Formula Two-adapted car, performing tyre-smoking doughnuts and greeting fans near the Angel of Independence monument.
Mexican flags lined the avenue alongside giant images of the 36-year-old, as supporters gathered for a glimpse of their homegrown hero.
“I know some of you were here since last night. I really appreciate it,” Perez told the crowd. “You guys are one of the main reasons I came back to Formula One.
“Thank you for all the unforgettable moments,” he added.
Perez, a six-times Grand Prix winner, returned to the grid this year with Cadillac. The team announced on Wednesday that he had signed a multi-year contract extension through 2029.
For fans unable to secure tickets for the sold-out Mexican Grand Prix or priced out of attending the race, the free street event provided an opportunity to experience the spectacle.
Twenty-year-old Sebastian Perez, who is not related to the driver, attended in a homemade replica racing suit and helmet that he said had cost almost 3,000 Mexican pesos ($161.26).
“I’m not going (to the race). To be honest, I couldn’t get a ticket but I would have liked to. I feel the prices are a little high; not everyone can afford to go,” he said. “But also, because there are so many fans now, it sells out really quickly.”
A fan of Perez for nearly three years, Sebastian said the driver’s determination had made him a hero.
“I started following him when he was still at Red Bull, and then I got to see his retirement and then his return,” he said. “I really like him because he has always shown that he doesn’t give up — that ‘never give up’ attitude.”
Virginia Cano, 62, who said she had followed Perez for about a decade, praised his achievements and character.
“It brings me joy, knowing that he is a world-class competitor — not just a national one, but a global one — and an excellent person,” she said. “Also handsome.
“As Mexicans, having someone in racing who has gone so far. It’s wonderful.”
Families and fans of all ages crowded against barriers to catch a glimpse of Perez, with children perched on their parents’ shoulders and others climbing trees and monuments to improve their view.
Perez signed autographs and posed for photographs before climbing into a classic Cadillac convertible to wave to the crowd.
His team mate Valtteri Bottas also attended the event. The Finn did not drive but drew cheers with an enthusiastic message in Spanish: “Amo los tacos, amo Mexico” (I love tacos, I love Mexico).
($1 = 18.6040 Mexican pesos)
